Living within the State of Contention
US versus Them and the Failed States of Survival
Sophia: We often frame the world as a contest of sides—us versus them—but what is gained by such division, Thomas?
Thomas: Authority, even at its best, is merely a tool. Yet when misused, it becomes intolerable. The real danger is when governments claim morality while perpetuating harm.
Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.
— Thomas Paine (1737-1809)
Gore: And in that imbalance, victory is hollow unless someone else is diminished. Too often, success is measured by the failures of others rather than the well-being of all.
Elie: Which is why taking a stance is essential. Silence is complicity; neutrality only strengthens oppression. To survive ethically, one must act on behalf of the victim, not the oppressor.
It is not enough to succeed. Others must fail.
— Gore Vidal (1925-2012)
Noam: And we must be precise in our judgments. The destruction of innocents cannot be justified as defense. Calling such acts war distorts reality and perpetuates cycles of terror.
Sophia: Then the failed states of survival are not only political but moral. Societies crumble when they valorize dominance, overlook suffering, and reward silence. True resilience requires courage, justice, and clarity.
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.
— Elie Wiesel (1928-2016)
Thomas: Indeed. Liberty and survival are inseparable. One cannot endure in comfort while ignoring injustice.
Gore: Yet many prefer the illusion of triumph over others rather than the hard work of collective well-being.
Wanton killing of innocent civilians is terrorism, not a war against terrorism.
— Noam Chomsky (1928-present)
Elie: Courage is costly but necessary. To side with truth, even when uncomfortable, is the only path out of oppression.
Noam: And to acknowledge wrongdoing, to name it clearly, is to prevent repetition. Survival without conscience is mere endurance, not life.
Sophia: So the lesson is clear: to survive ethically, one must resist oppressive systems, confront injustice openly, and reject the false satisfaction of another’s failure. Only then does “us” include more than just ourselves.
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